MCQs Based On Political Science- (159)

Correct Option: 2. Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Explanation: The Representation of the People Act, 1950 provides for the allocation of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and in State Legislative Assemblies, along with delimitation and preparation of electoral rolls.
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 is a foundational law that lays down the electoral framework of India, primarily focusing on the structure of electoral constituencies and the electoral rolls.
Overview of the Representation of the People Act, 1950
Purpose of the Act
This Act was enacted to:
-Provide for the allocation of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and Legislative Assemblies and Councils of States.
-Enable the delimitation of constituencies.
-Specify qualifications/disqualifications for voter registration.
-Guide the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls.
Key Provisions of the Act
1. Allocation of Seats
Articles 81 and 170 of the Constitution empower Parliament to determine the number of seats for each state.
The Act lays down the actual allocation of these seats in the:
-Lok Sabha (House of the People)
-State Legislative Assemblies
-State Legislative Councils
2. Delimitation of Constituencies
The Act enables the President, in consultation with the Election Commission, to:
-Delimit (i.e., fix boundaries of) Parliamentary, Assembly, and Council constituencies.
-Ensure fair representation based on population (as per census).
3. Appointment of Election Officials
The Act provides for the appointment of key election officers, including:
-Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)
-District Election Officer (DEO)
-Electoral Registration Officers (ERO)
-Presiding and Polling Officers
4. Electoral Rolls
The Act guides:
-Preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
-Inclusion and exclusion criteria.
It defines who is a “qualified elector”, based on:
-Citizenship
-Age (18 years or above)
-Ordinary residence in the constituency
5. Reservation of Seats
-Provides special provisions for SC/ST reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies.
-This includes fixing reserved constituencies based on population proportions (per Articles 330 and 332).
6. Union Territories Representation
Prescribes how Union Territories are represented in the Rajya Sabha.
7. Exclusion of Civil Court Jurisdiction
Civil courts cannot entertain cases relating to:
-Inclusion or exclusion in electoral rolls
-Delimitation or allocation of seats
Importance of the Act
-Establishes the legal base for the conduct of free and fair elections. -Complements the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with the conduct of elections, while the 1950 Act deals with voter eligibility and constituency design. Recent Relevance
-Though based on the 1971 Census, seat allocation and delimitation remain frozen until 2026 by the 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001). -The Delimitation Act, 2002 builds upon provisions of the 1950 Act for readjusting constituencies based on the 2001 Census.

Correct Option: 3. Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Explanation: The 1951 Act contains provisions regarding the conduct of elections, including nominations, polling, counting, corrupt practices, and election petitions. The 1950 Act does not deal with election processes.
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA, 1951) is one of the most important laws governing the democratic electoral process in India. While the RPA, 1950 deals with voter eligibility and constituency formation, the RPA, 1951 deals with the actual conduct of elections—from nominations to results, and from qualifications to disqualifications.
Overview of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
Purpose of the Act
This Act was enacted to:
-Regulate the conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
-Provide qualifications and disqualifications for membership.
-Define corrupt practices and electoral offences.
-Outline procedures for election disputes and petitions.
-Empower the Election Commission of India (ECI) in various matters.
Key Provisions of the Act
1. Qualifications for Membership
For Lok Sabha and State Assemblies:
-Must be an Indian citizen.
-At least 25 years of age.
-Must be registered as a voter in any parliamentary constituency.
For Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils:
-Minimum age is 30 years.
2. Disqualifications for Membership
-Covered under Sections 8 to 10A:
-Conviction for offences such as:
-Promoting enmity (Section 153A IPC)
-Bribery, corruption, rape, or terrorism
-Failure to lodge election expenses.
-Disqualification under anti-defection laws (Tenth Schedule).
-Holding an office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, etc.
3. Conduct of Elections
Covers procedures such as:
-Notification of elections
-Filing of nominations and their scrutiny
-Withdrawal of candidatures
-Allotment of symbols
-Polling and counting of votes
-Declaration of results
4. Corrupt Practices and Electoral Offences
Under Section 123, corrupt practices include:
-Bribery
-Undue influence
-Use of religion or caste in campaigns
-False statements about candidates
-Booth capturing
-Penalties include disqualification and criminal prosecution.
5. Election Disputes
-Disputes are handled through election petitions under Section 80.
-Filed in High Courts within 45 days of the election result.
-Appeals can be made to the Supreme Court.
6. Free Supply of Materials
Recognised political parties receive free copies of electoral rolls and broadcast time on All India Radio and Doordarshan.
7. Registration of Political Parties
Political parties must be registered with the Election Commission under Section 29A.
Must follow guidelines regarding:
-Internal democracy
-Maintenance of accounts
-Submission of annual audit reports
8. Powers of the Election Commission
-Decide on disqualification of sitting members.
-Monitor party registration and compliance.
-Enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
9. Bye-Elections and Time Limits
-Vacancies must be filled within 6 months, as per Section 151A.
-Applies unless the remainder of the term is less than 1 year.
10. Exclusion of Civil Courts
Civil courts do not have jurisdiction over matters such as:
-Voter eligibility
-Electoral rolls
-Election results
-Delimitation
Importance of the Act
-Backbone of electoral governance in India.
-Defines a fair, transparent, and legally accountable election process.
-Enables the judicial review of election outcomes and member conduct.

Correct Option: 1. 2001 Census.
Explanation: The Delimitation Act, 2002 was enacted to adjust constituency boundaries based on population changes reflected in the 2001 Census, though the number of seats remained based on the 1971 Census.
Delimitation Act, 2002 – Explained
Purpose of the Act
The Delimitation Act, 2002 was enacted to:
-Provide for the redrawing (delimitation) of the boundaries of parliamentary and legislative assembly constituencies.
-Ensure equitable representation based on population changes captured in the 2001 Census.
Background and Constitutional Basis
-Article 82: After every Census, Parliament shall enact a law to redistribute seats and delimit constituencies for the Lok Sabha.
-Article 170: Similar provision for State Legislative Assemblies.
-Articles 330 & 332: Provide for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
🔒 However, the 84th Amendment Act (2001) froze the total number of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies until 2026, but allowed internal readjustment of constituencies based on the 2001 Census.
Key Features of the Delimitation Act, 2002
1. Establishment of Delimitation Commission A Delimitation Commission was set up under the Act. It consisted of:
-A retired Supreme Court judge (Chairperson),
-The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner,
-The State Election Commissioner (for the state concerned).
2. Scope of Delimitation
Redrawing boundaries of:
-Parliamentary constituencies (Lok Sabha)
-Assembly constituencies (Vidhan Sabha)
-Readjustment of reserved seats (SC/ST) based on 2001 Census.
The total number of seats remained unchanged, based on the 1971 Census (due to the freeze till 2026).
3. Time Frame
-The Commission was expected to complete the work by July 31, 2008.
-Its final orders were to be:
-Published in the Official Gazette
-Legally binding and not subject to judicial review
4. No Judicial Review
-The Act explicitly states that the orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in any court.
-This ensures speedy implementation and avoids legal delays.
5. Applicability
-Applied to all general elections and by-elections conducted after the final delimitation orders were published.
-State Assemblies and Lok Sabha elections after 2008 used new constituency boundaries.
Significance of the Delimitation Act, 2002
-Corrected imbalances in representation caused by uneven population growth.
-Addressed urban-rural population shifts (migration, growth, etc.).
-Ensured equity in representation per population unit.
-Set stage for future delimitation after the freeze ends (post-2026).
Limitations
-Despite readjustments, total seats per state did not increase, which led to concerns about under-representation in some rapidly growing states.
-Disparities may increase until the freeze is lifted in 2026 and a new delimitation is conducted based on the 2021 Census (or next available one).

Correct Option: 2. Article 82.
Explanation: Article 82 directs that Parliament shall enact a Delimitation Act after every Census for re-adjustment of Parliamentary constituencies. Similarly, Article 170 is for State Assemblies.

Correct Option: 3. Delimitation Commission.
Explanation: Under the Delimitation Act, 2002, the Delimitation Commission is appointed to redraw constituency boundaries. It works in consultation with the Election Commission and its decisions are final.